Rape and sex offence specialists on all police forces by 2027, PM says
The UK government is accelerating its plan to place specialist rape and sexual offence investigators in every police force by 2027. The initiative aims to better support victims and manage offenders through increased funding and stricter protection orders.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects a heightened political focus on addressing violence against women and girls, aiming to improve institutional responses to sexual crime.
Image source, Getty Images By Caitlin Doherty Published 14 minutes ago Investigators specialising in rape and sex offences will be introduced to every police force in England and Wales by the end of 2027, the government has said.
Ministers are speeding up the rollout of the scheme, previously announced by Sir Keir Starmer's government, by 18 months as part of efforts to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG).
They are also offering more money for some forces to boost protection orders.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the previous plans were "too slow" and ministers should be "laser focused" on tackling such crimes.
One charity has welcomed the measures, but says they represent "only a small portion of what is needed" for victims.
The Home Office initially announced the plans last year and was due to have teams in place by summer 2029.
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